Lions get heat for bringing in Bucs castoffs

A friend of mine, columnist Rob Parker of the Detroit News, wrote an interesting column over the weekend that essentially rips the Lions for their heavy reliance on former Bucs, whether coaches or players.

It's hard to deny there's been a conscious effort to stock up on former Tampa Bay talent. Cornerback Brian Kelly's signing over the weekend was just the latest addition. The Lions have also signed Chartric Darby in the past week, a member of Lions coach Rod Marinelli's defensive line when he coached the unit in Tampa Bay. And the Lions are expected to officially add Bucs safety Kalvin Pearson this week if the Bucs fail to match the offer sheet he signed with the Lions last Wednesday. They're not expected to, according to his agent.

Also on the Detroit roster is defensive end Dewayne White, who signed a big deal last year, and safety Dwight Smith, a one-time Buc. Detroit is also considering former Tampa Bay lineman Ellis Wyms, a free agent.

Parker's point is that there's been too much emphasis placed on sticking with players who are familiar to Marinelli. The Lions haven't won many games, so maybe he's got a point. Either way, it's an interesting look at some guys who will be very familiar to you.

Comments

[duane]

I have yet to hear what Kelly signed for. Could you enlighten me. Considering White's output last year, the Lions fans have cause for concern. Smith has bounced all over the league and he may be poison in the lockerroom. Darby is on his last legs as is Ellis Wyms.

[Jay]

I said this in the other blog post but I guess it's worth re-iterating. When Herm Edwards left for the Jets, he took Donnie Abraham with him, as well as a few other Bucs. Parcells picked up Keyshawn (and Bledsoe). There's nothing wrong with coaches picking up free agents they are familiar with for several reasons. One, they provide veteran leadership and a familiar face to use as player-coaches, and two, they are a known commodity where a position might be in question.

The only issue that Detroit should be worried about is that Dwight Smith was a coverage liability for the Vikings last year, and was completely undisciplined in every way. D White was actually pretty good for us, as was Chuck Darby (not so much for Seattle). Believe me, the Lions aren't done shopping for former Bucs. I would not be surprised to see Planet Simeon in powder blue on Thanksgiving.

[Vince]

Insanity. The Detroit Lions, arguably the most pathetic team in sports (beat the Bucs last year - ouch), can only benefit from taking Buc "castoffs." These are players from one of the best defensive units of all time.

Give Rod a chance for God's sake. He is trying to undo years and years of incompetence. Hey, the Lions love wide receivers for some reason, maybe they will bring back Keyshawn.

[Ty Guy]

Definately, I mean, people always bag on Gruden for bringing in players from Oakland but I guarantee you, if Marinelli and Gruden changed shoes, the Bucs would have already signed Rod Coleman and Jerry Porter would be in Tampa Bay not Jacksonville.

[Darren]

Whats with the whining!?! Doesn't Chicago love the blues? We're doing them a favor by giving Jake and Elwood something to sing about.

Plus aren't the Bucs doing them another favor by not playing the bears in the regular season??

Chicago fans should be thankful for their blessings and get out of our faces. The Bucs are on a mission and it has nothing to do with Chicago.

[epbuc16]

what the hell does chicago have to do with the bucs former players or detriot?

[The Guy on the Couch]

You people are tools.

[Jam]

And the guy on the couch is a bum!

[Jam]

Hmm..interesting...

So if a HC brings in a few past-thier-prime players from his former team it's only him trying to inject some "familiar veteran leadership" into his new roster but Jon Gruden did the same in attempt to lengthen his aging teams "window of opportunity" yet some of our fanbase thinks he should be burried deeper than Jimmy Hoffa.

I'm starting to believe that these idiots who are infesting our fanbase have exceeded to the majority.

[Melissa]

Enjoy Detroit Brian. YUK!

[flash]

It amazes me to read some of the ridiculous comments of a few "fair weather" fans! The game of football is a tough sport, truly only the best in the country have had the privilege of being selected to play in the NFL! I have been a Buc fan for years, I often wonder what kind of jobs these idiots who make ridiculous comments have, paper boy, water boy or just sitting at home, hoping that their comments will be published one day, so they can have their 1/2 second of notoriety! If they know the game so well, why aren't they on a team, publishing an article or commentating on the NFL sports station? To all of the players who ever played the game, I congratulate you, to those who have gone on to further their careers or were released -- continue to stick to your dream of playing the game you love. As long as you play, you can say with pride, I did my best --- how about you?

[DR]

I love Tony Romo, but that doesn't make me gay.

[Barack Obama]

Vote for me!